Softball starts season with a bang

Courtesy of Larry Newman

Chapman softball swept a doubleheader versus Austin College last week, finishing the first game 12-2 and the second 2-1.

The team was a force to be reckoned with, and The Panther was able to speak with a few players whose impact on the field was exceptional. Jillian Kelly, a senior integrated educational studies major and pitcher, and Rose Malen, a junior business marketing major and pitcher, were an unstoppable pair in the pitching circle. Together they threw 15 strikeouts.

Kelly allowed two runs on two hits and an error in the first inning. However, she settled in and only allowed one hit over the final four innings. 

“The first inning was tough, but I went back into the dugout and took some deep breaths,” Kelly said. “I also went over the next batters with my coaches, which helped a lot.”

The Panthers played great offensively in game one, with three runs in the first inning. Ten batters went to the plate in the second, scoring six runs, and this inning opened with seven back-to-back singles, adding to their lead. They secured an early win by scoring three more runs in the third, clinching the run-rule victory. If a team leads by eight or more runs after five or more innings, the home plate umpire can call the game in favor of the leading team and declare the run-rule, also known as the mercy rule. They left the game confidently, ready for game two.

Game two came down to a pitching showdown.The Panthers’ defense had to step up to make pivotal plays and support their ace in the tense, low-scoring game. Malen struck out 10 batters this game, making it her third career double-digit strikeout. Mia Reyes, a junior business administration major and outfielder, came through for the Panthers with an RBI single in the fifth, expanding the lead and aiding crucial support for Malen.

“With a runner at third in that situation, I picked a spot in the field that I wanted to hit the ball and focused to work that way,” Reyes said. “The first pitch I got was exactly what I needed, so I went with it.”

Chapman kept their focus and locked in to complete a clean sweep. 

“Visualization is something that has always helped me to be able to refocus and calm myself down in those high-pressure situations,” Reyes said. 

The team is excited and confident about their next game against Whittier College after this doubleheader sweep.

“We are definitely going to use this momentum to continue working hard at practice to get ready for the rest of the season,” said Malen.

Reyes shared the same positive outlook for the team’s season.

“We felt together and unified, ready for what's next,” she said. “I think what keeps our momentum going is knowing what we are capable of as a team when we play well. It motivates us and keeps our energy high. We look at every game as a new opportunity to get better and improve, taking it one game at a time.”

This incredible group of women aim high with their intentions for the season, and coming out on top is a goal set for them.

“Our team goal has always been to win a national championship,” Malen said. “To get to this point, we are working towards a SCIAC (Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) conference title and winning as many games as we can.”

No matter the season outcome, Kelly pointed out something that carries the weight of true sportsmanship.

“Our biggest goal this year is to have no regrets,” she said. “We have a ton of seniors this year and all we want is to have fun this season and leave everything we got on the field.”

The Panthers are a united and dedicated team that can take on any battle, especially under pressure and with high stakes. Their dominant force and presence against Austin, combined with the team’s drive and skill set, create an exciting tone for the season ahead. As they prepare for their game against Whittier, one thing is clear — this team is locked in, taking it game by game, with their sights set on a championship.